The appellant seeks reversal of a decision made by the Ida Grove Community School District denying academic credit due to excessive absences for four subjects in which he was enrolled during spring semester.

He was ill three full days in January, and three full days in February. The appellant missed two class periods in March due to court appearances for a traffic matter. He was gone five days in April; four for a cruise and one for a traffic court appearance. He completed all coursework, made up work and tests, and presented a note from his mother for the illnesses and court appearances.

The appellant spoke with the principal before going on the cruise about how the time away would affect his grades. He was warned the time off would put him over the ten-day limit stated in the attendance policy; however, he went on the cruise regardless.

Upon his return from the cruise, the appellant was notified of the academic credit loss. He appealed to the Board, and the decision was to uphold the credit loss.

The panel finds the implementation of the attendance policy is flawed in this case.

The decision made by the Ida Grove Community School District board is reversed.